And how do you propose to ensure that, umm Homes? Rap the entire route first, checking for pro......or solo it with no gear to confound you, inspecting the pro potential?

Always check that ridge out too, and think it would be fun. From the road it doesn't seem too tough, and appears to have good gear potential. Just get off your ass, on to your horse, and do it Pony!! Shout if you need a partner!

There are a number of routes in the area around Steenberg Peak ranging from D to about F2 (9-15). Steenberg ridge itself was originally graded a D but I think sections of it are a little harder, but definitely not as high as 14. The pro was good and the climbing interesting with great views and big ledges.
There are RD's and a photo-topo in an old issue of MCSA Journal (think it was sometime in the 60's?) written by Jeff Goy (I think).

I am saying you start climbing the route if it looks easy enough and you put protection as you go up, however if you get to certain point and think it is too difficult to go higher you then down climb and unclip your protection as you are down climbing, or if you get to the top and there is no way to secure yourself properly to belay someone up then you down climb and take your protection out as you are down climbing. I suggested he climbed something easy which he knows he can down climb as well.